The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1887-06-22
t>nneinl 10 INC News and Conrier.l

Gen. Drums Letter
WAR DEPARTMENT, !
ADJUTAST GENERALS OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 80, 1887. \
Hon. William C. Endicott, Secretary
of War-Sir:: have the honor to state
that there are now IN this ct1ice STORED
in one of the attic rooms Of the build
ing) number Of Union flags captured
in action, but recovered on the 5a1 OF
the Confederacy and forwarded 20 the
war department for safe keeping, togeth-
er with s. number of Confederate flags,
which the fortunes Of war placed n our
hands during the late civil war.
While, in the past, favorable action
has always been taken on applications,
properly supported, for the return OF
Union flags to organizations represent
ing survivors Of tue military regiments
il the service OF the Government. / beg
to submit that it would be = graceful act
to anticipate future requests OF this ma
ture, and venture to suggest the pro-
priety OF returning all SShe flags Onion
and Confederate to the authorities OF
the respective States, in which the Tegl-
ments which bore these colors were or
ganized, for such final disposition as
they may determine.
While, in all OF tie civilized na:ions
of the Old World, trophies, taAea IN
wars against foreign enemies, have neen
carefully preserved and exhibited as
proud mementoes OF the nation militia
~ g!ories, wise and obvious reasons nave
always excepted from the rule, evidences
Of past inter1ecine troubles whlcn, by
appeals t., the arbitration OF the sword,
have disturbed the peaceful! march o. q
people to its destiny.
Over twenty years have elapsed since
the termination OF tie late civil war.
Many of tie prominent leaders, clE;i and
military, of the late Confederate States
are now honorea representatives, OF The
National councils, or in other eminent
positions lend tic aid Of their talents to
the wise administration OF the Affairs OF
the whole country, and the peop!e c: the
several States composing the C1icn are
now united treaGing the broader read to
a glorious future.
Impressed with these facts, l have The
honor to submit the suggestion made II
tl.is letter for the careful consideration
it will receive at your hands.
Very truly yours,
R. c. DRUM, Adiutant General.
The endorsement OF the secretary Of
war upon this letter is as follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 26, 1887.
The within recommendation is ap-
proved by the President, and the Adju-
tant General will prepare letters to
Governors Of those States whose troops
carried the colors and flags now IN this
department, with the offer to retTrn
them as herein proposed, the history OF
each flag and the circumstances Of Its
capture or recapture to be given.
WM. c. ESDIcoTT,
Secretary of War.
IN accordance with the instructions
from the secretary OF war, Gen. Dlum
prepared the following letter which was
sent to Governor Richardson:
War DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTAST GENERALS OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, June I, 1887. \
To Governor J. ?. Richardson, Go,
lumbia, S. C.-Sir:: The President 0!
the United States having approved tGs
recommendation that all the flags in the
custody of the war department be re
turned to the authorities Of the respec
tive States Il which the regiments which
bore them were organized, for such tinaI
disposition as they may determine, | an
instructed by the honorable secretary q
war to make you (in the name OF the wal
iepartment) tender Of the flags now II
this Office belonging to late volunteer
organizations Of the State Of South Car
oGna.
In discharging this pleasant duty | beg
you will please advise ne OF your wishes
IN this matter. 1t IS the intention, IL
returning each flag, to give It's history,
so lar as it is possible 70 do SO, stat,r3:
the circumstances Of its capture and re
covery. 7 have the honor to be, verJ
respectfully, your obcdient servant,
r. C. Drum, AGiUtant General.
The South Carolina Flags.
Among the captured Southern ban
ners are twelve flags which were captured
by the Federal troops II Oattle or WSrS
picked up after the surrender OF Charles
ton. Some Of them are OF very great
historic value AID it is hoped that they
will be carefully preserved when thes
are finally turned over TO the State o!
the yalor Of whose troops they are 81
precious memorial Tie following j,
a brief description OF these flags and c:
the circumstances attending their cap
ture:
Confederate battle tiag, captured iron
South Carolina regiment a: the battle o.
Sharpsburg, September II, 1862, at tht
stone wall in front OF the Ist brigade
Sd division, 9Th army corps, by Private
Thomas Hare, Co. ID S9th regiment
New York Volunteers. Private Hare
vas afterwards killed.
Confederate battle flag, captured a
Malvern Hill, near James River, Fir
ISp.r